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CAREER DEVELOPMENT

14 Communication Strategies to
Overcome Communication Barriers in
the Workplace
February 25, 2020
Effective communication in the workplace can have a significant impact on nearly every aspect of a company's
productivity and success. Understanding potential communication barriers, as well as communication strategies to
overcome them, can help you be a more effective employee and promote successful communication at work. In this
article, learn what communication strategies are, different types of communication barriers to be aware of and 14
strategies to improve communication at work.

What are communication strategies?


Communication is the way in which we exchange information with others. Communication strategies include verbal,
nonverbal and other forms that enhance the ability to effectively communicate with a person or group of people:

• Verbal communication: This type of communication can include oral communication such as speaking,
video chatting and phone calls. Verbal communication also encompasses written communication such as
letters, texts and email.
• Nonverbal communication: This form of communication applies to the ways in which we communicate
nonverbally such as through body language, visual cues and facial expressions. Tone of voice is also
considered a nonverbal communication and can play a role in how your communication is received.
Nonverbal communication may also be referred to as behavioral communication.
• Visual communication: This type of communication is when something is communicated visually. For
example, a website may visually communicate with users through infographics, illustrations and text. Another
example is when a workplace communicates with its employees via an announcement board or through
safety-related signs throughout the office.

Communication strategies can be implemented in all forms of communication to improve how well information is
understood and received.

Related: Communication Skills: Definitions and Examples

Types of communication barriers


Individuals communicate in various ways each day. However, not all communication is effective. The way in which we
convey information can have a significant impact on how that information translates and can potentially create a
barrier that prevents the person from properly understanding us.

For example, if someone sends a text message to their manager telling them they won't be into work that day, the
manager may perceive this as unprofessional. But, if the person calls and personally speaks with the manager about
missing work, the manager is likely to be more receptive to this method of communicating an absence.

The following are types of communication barriers that can arise in the workplace and make effective communication
more challenging:

• Physical barriers: This type of communication barrier can refer to the physical layout of the workplace
(separate work areas, closed office doors) as well as the perceived territories within an office space. For
example, if all of the supervisors work in one area of an office, other employees may feel intimidated when
approaching this area and as a result avoid the area.
• Emotional barriers: Emotional communication barriers are those that result from emotions such as mistrust
and fear. For example, if a person fears their manager, they are much more likely to interpret communications
with the manager in a negative and close-minded way.
• Language barriers: Language barriers are barriers that refer to how a person speaks both verbally and
nonverbally. Examples of language barriers include using jargon, unfamiliar expressions and abbreviations. It
can also include written and verbal language used to communicate.

Implementing communication strategies in the workplace can help to overcome any communication barriers and
increase the effective transmission of information.

Related: Guide to Improving Team Communication in the Workplace

14 strategies to improve workplace communication


The following are 14 communication strategies you can use to overcome and prevent communication challenges at
work:

• Nonverbal communication strategies


• Active listening strategies
• Verbal communication strategies
• Written communication strategies

Nonverbal communication strategies


1. Be aware of your body language. Body language, facial expressions and other nonverbal cues can play a
large role in effective communication. Take note of your body language when communicating and adjust if
your body language is not supporting what you are trying to communicate.
2. Work on your posture. Standing up straight or sitting upright in your chair can help promote positive and
effective communication. Be sure that you aren't slouching or slumping your shoulders during a conversation.
3. Consider your tone of voice. Your tone of voice can have a significant impact on how others interpret your
communication efforts. Pay attention to your tone when communicating and try to match your tone to what
you are trying to convey. For example, if you are discussing a serious topic, your tone should be confident
and firm rather than playful or unsure.
4. Maintain eye contact. Maintaining eye contact shows that you are paying attention to the other person and
are an active part of the conversation.

Active listening strategies


1. Request and provide feedback. Offering and asking for feedback shows that you care about what the other
person is saying as well as their opinions on the topic being discussed.
2. Use encouraging small verbal comments. When taking part in a conversation, use small verbal comments
such as "uh-huh." This can encourage the speaker to continue and lets them know that you are listening.
3. Don't interrupt. Refrain from interrupting when another person is speaking to show respect and that you are
listening to what they are saying.
4. Focus on what the other person is saying. Paying attention is key to effective communication. When
another person is speaking, give them all of your attention and acknowledge that you are hearing their
message.

Related: 4 Types of Communication (With Examples)

Verbal communication strategies


1. Limit distractions. Communication is much more effective when there are little to no distractions. When
communicating, put away your mobile device, shut off your computer and limit any other distractions that may
prohibit you from being present during a conversation.
2. Participate in a public speaking class. Taking a speech class can help build confidence when speaking to
others and equip you with effective communication strategies when verbally communicating.
3. Acknowledge what others are expressing. When having a conversation with someone, acknowledge what
they are saying by nodding, using facial expressions and participating in the conversation when appropriate.
4. Practice empathy. Consider the feelings of the person you are communicating with so that you can better
acknowledge their needs and concerns.

Written communication strategies


1. Proofread and edit. Before sending an email, text or other written form of communication, take the time to
proofread and make any necessary edits. This ensures your written communication is professional and
conveys your message as accurately as possible.
2. Use appropriate grammar and spelling. Avoid using abbreviations, slang, jargon and other forms of
language that may not be understood by others. Spell out words and ensure proper spelling and grammar.

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